It’s Year 2 of the Detroit Lions’ rebuilding process and those involved in Michigan sports betting are keeping an eye on how second-year coach Dan Campbell and quarterback Jared Goff handle the new foundation.
The Lions (3-13) had eight overall selections in last week’s NFL Draft with two first-rounders, a second-rounder and a third-rounder. Detroit had the second overall pick and chose Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, the runner-up in the Heisman Trophy voting. He will remain close to his university, just 42 miles away, and to his high school, Dearborn (Mich.) Divine Child, just a mere nine miles in distance.
Hutchinson, who should provide an instant pass rush threat for the Lions, set Michigan’s record for sacks in a single season in 2021 with 14. That broke the record set by his father, Chris, who had 11 in 1992.
Lions History with DEs in First Round
Hutchinson became the sixth defensive end ever to be selected by the Lions in their history, with the last being Ezekiel Ansah in 2013 as the fifth overall pick. Other picks included: three-time Pro Bowler Robert Porcher in 1992, Reggie Rogers (1987), Ernie Price (1973) and four-time Pro Bowler Bill Glass (1957).
Lions History with WRs in First Round
With the 12th overall pick, the Lions selected Alabama wide receiver Jameson Williams. He should provide Goff with added firepower and much-needed speed to the outside.
The Lions traded up for the Williams pick with the Minnesota Vikings, sending picks Nos. 32, 34 and 66. The Lions also received No. 46 from the Vikings and selected another defensive end in the second round, Kentucky’s Josh Paschal.
Williams, who is recovering from a torn left ACL suffered in January, had 1,572 receiving yards in 2021, which was fifth in the FBS as well as the third-most in a season in Alabama history.
Williams became the ninth wide receiver ever chosen in the first round by the Lions, including six-time Pro Bowler and Hall of Famer Calvin Johnson in 2007. Other wideouts taken by the Lions: Mike Williams (2005), Roy Williams (2004), Charles Rogers (2003), Johnnie Morton (1994), four-time Pro Bowler Herman Moore (1991), Mark Nichols (1981) and Earl McCullouch (1968).
Who The Detroit Lions Took In the NFL Draft
In addition to the first-round picks, the Lions made six other picks, five of which were used on defense. The lone offensive player (along with first-rounder Williams) was tight end James Mitchell of Virginia Teach in Round 5.
Rebuilding Lions Have Very Long Super Bowl Odds
With the Lions continuing their rebuilding process and strengthening some key positions on their team during the NFL Draft, Super Bowl dreams are still a long way off.
According to Draft Kings, the Lions are +15000 to win the Super Bowl, which ties them for next to last with the Atlanta Falcons and New York Jets. Only the Houston Texans have longer odds.
The Lions also are +7000 in NFL betting to win the NFC and +1200 to capture the NFC North, per DraftKings.
BetMGM had the same Super Bowl odds but better odds to win the NFC at +6600.
For the latest updates and best Michigan sports betting promo codes, check out GreatLakesStakes.com.
Here are the odds for the 10 top teams and the Lions:
